In a polarised society, the meaning of gender is in flux. People want to be liberated from outdated norms – but many hold on to the gender binary as a source of stability in an uncertain world. How can brands navigate the changing gender landscape without leaning on stereotypes?

Diverse representation is an expectation, but as individuals no longer allow themselves to be defined in singular terms, there's mounting pressure on brands to understand and sensitively reflect how the intersections between race, gender, class, and ability impact people's everyday lives.

The past decade has seen political polarisation – accelerated by social media’s filter bubbles and echo chambers – deepen and mutate. An ominous era of a polycrisis has shattered any remaining societal consensus. Meanwhile, powerful anti-establishment voices have stepped into the void.

From decentralised autonomous organisations (DAOs) run on Discord to city-wide mutual aid groups, people are finding safety and optimism in numbers. For growing numbers of people, collective action is emerging as the only viable solution to compounding crises and deepening alienation.

As the fight for equality and inclusion for India’s LGBTQ+ movement continues, activists and members of the community are coming up with innovative ways to advocate for change. Gaysi Family, a queer media platform, is centring community voices in a bid to spread LGBTQ+ understanding and acceptance.

In response to the rise of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in the US, an out-of-home campaign in Times Square on the 4th of July declares that drag is a First Amendment right. As political tensions rise, there is a need for meaningful action to support communities and advocate for inclusivity.

Words like ‘mother’, ‘daddy’, and ‘babygirl’ are used to claim certain stars and characters, marking a sense of profound connection between fan and actor, as well as fellow fans online. How can brands using this terminology in their marketing remain sensitive to the origins of these terms?

With only one Southeast Asian stop in The Eras Tour, Filipino Swifties saw daylight in the form of Taylor Sheesh. The drag queen recreates Taylor Swift’s performances in local mall shows and private events, making the concert hype accessible for fans while pushing queer visibility to the mainstream.